Hello Students,
It's your pop culture professors JoAnn and Erin! We're back to discuss the highly anticipated documentary, "Pee-Wee as Himself" Episode 1 on HBO which chronicles the life of Paul Reubens.
But first we'll explore the cultural phenomenon of the Labubu. Is this "purse demon" (as Erin so eloquently dubbed it) a do or a don't? Will it be passed down from generation to generation, or populate our landfills as the trash it likely is. Weigh in on Substack!
Back to Pee-Wee - In this episode we look back on Reubens' early life and career, and delve into the impact of his delightful character Pee-Wee Herman. The conversation touches on themes of identity, legacy, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ artists in the entertainment industry. With personal anecdotes and insights, the hosts set the stage for a deeper exploration of Reubens' life and career in the upcoming second part of the documentary.
CLASS NOTES:
The Labubu trend - What does this say about our cultural obsessions and influences? Are we cool, or are we just trash?
The time JoAnn met Paul Reubens in an unusual setting!
How Paul Reubens' early artistic experiences shaped his identity as a performer.
The documentary addresses Reubens' sexuality and personal struggles.
Reubens' relationship with his ex-boyfriend Guy and the profound impact on his trajectory.
The making of “Pee-Wee's Big Adventure” as a pivotal moment in Reubens' career.
The importance of representation in media.
Leave your comments and let us know what you think about this documentary.
See you next time, students!
The Docudames,
Erin & JoAnn
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